PAWS Chicago News item | PAWS Chicago

You won’t believe Ursa’s before and after

Jul 18, 2022

After so much pain, Ursa’s transformation is just the start of an amazing second chance at life.

Ursa was found on a busy street corner in terrible condition. The pain she was suffering was likely due to the neglect and abuse of the owners who abandoned her.

She was first found by a local rescue before coming to PAWS where she could be evaluated and treated at our state-of-the-art Medical Center.

In addition to some of the health conditions typical of dogs living on the street—ear infections, dental disease, conjunctivitis—Ursa was battling deeper health concerns that made everyday life painful.

Right away, you notice her skin. Alopecia affected most of her body, and the fur she had left was severely matted, especially between her toes. These made it painful to walk, and her dry cracked skin hurt to lay down.

Once at PAWS, her examination revealed a heart murmur and spondylosis, affecting her spine. A wound on her back end was so bad, she wouldn’t let anyone touch it. Still, the sweet girl inside greeted this human kindness with open arms.

Seeing the dog she is today, you wouldn’t even recognize her! Her fur has grown back in, she’s put on healthy weight, and her condition has steadily improved in a loving, patient foster home. As her personality slowly comes out, it turns out she’s a simple girl: loves to go outside for walks, can’t pass up a soft pillow to curl up on, and is a very posh lady who doesn’t like to roughhouse.

Ursa is nearing the end of the recovery part of her journey and looking forward to what comes next—a family.

Learn more about our transformative Medical Center.